Give New Mexico Restaurant Workers a Paycheck

The restaurant industry is one of New Mexico’s largest and fastest growing industries. Employing close to a half of a million people, our industry has statistically the lowest wages in the state. As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years, I know how hard it is get by in this industry, and how helpful it will be if we pass one fair wage. According to New Mexico’s Department of Workforce Solutions – the median income earning of someone in our industry is around $20,000 a year. That needs to change. States like Nevada, Minnesota, California, Washington, Montana, Oregon, and even Alaska have laws that make sure everyone, including front-of-house staff, are paid at least the minimum wage by their employer. Every New Mexican deserves a paycheck. New Mexico legislature, be on the right side of history and pass one fair wage!